Rule changes for 2005

There are several rules that have changed for the 2005 season.[4] Following are some highlights:

In an effort to bring spearing under control, the word "intentional" was removed from the rules.

A listing of examples for unsportsmanlike acts was developed in order to encourage more consistent application of the rule. Examples of such acts include, but are not limited to:

Imitating a slash of the throat;

Resembling the firing of a weapon;

Bowing at the waist;

Punching one’s own chest excessively;

Crossing one’s arms in front of the chest;

Placing one’s hand by the ear as if to indicate that the player cannot hear the spectators;

Diving into the end zone when unchallenged by an opponent;

Entering the end zone with an unnatural stride (e.g., high stepping);

Going significantly beyond the end line to interact with spectators;

Standing over a prone player in a taunting manner;

Attempting to make the ball spin as if it were a top;

Performing a choreographed act with a teammate(s) (e.g., pretending to take a photo, falling down in unison); and

Entering the field of play by coaches or substitutes in protest of officials' calls.

Additionally, the committee added language to the rule that reads: "Spontaneous celebrating with teammates on the field of play, provided it is not prolonged, taunting or intended to bring attention to the individual player, is allowed."